Understanding Colossians 3:5-8: Literal or Metaphorical?

When examining the Bible, particularly passages like Colossians 3:5-8 in the King James Version, one often wonders whether such verses are to be interpreted literally or metaphorically. Let's delve into this question, focusing on the meaningful nature of the language used by the Apostle Paul in laying down guidelines for the spiritual life of the Colossians.

The Context and Interpretation of Colossians 3:5-8

The passage in question reads:

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

At first glance, this passage seems to present a literal list of actions and attitudes to avoid, which can lead to the question: is this passage metaphorical or literal?

Is the Language of Colossians 3:5-8 Metaphorical?

Exactly how should this passage be interpreted?

One could argue that the language is indeed metaphorical, albeit rooted in spiritual realities. The Apostle Paul often used language that foreshadows the spiritual journey in ways that people in his day would understand. For example, in Colossians 3:1, Paul instructs, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God."

Metaphorical References in Biblical Language

In biblical language, much of the terminology used is not meant to be taken literally in the sense that we use physical terms. Paul's language frequently uses imagery to point to deeper spiritual concepts. Just as discussing "seeking things which are above" does not imply a physical direction when praying or meditating, similarly, the passage of Colossians 3:5-8 contains figurative language for spiritual realities.

For instance, taking the term "above" literally would lead to a geographically ambiguous interpretation, as "above" changes depending on location and time. However, recognizing the cultural and spiritual connotations that "above" carries, we can understand that the reference is to higher spiritual realms as opposed to earthly desires and vices.

Interpreting the Spiritual Realm

In the scriptural context, language is often symbolic, and we must look beyond the literal meanings to capture the full weight of divine truth. One can find similar instances of metaphorical language in 2 Corinthians 4:18 and in Hebrews 11:3.

'... we see Jesus lifting his eyes "up" toward heaven when he prays. That doesn't mean that his father is in that direction.’

Paul's letter to the Colossians also serves as evidence of the metaphoric style of language. He urges believers to "set their mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:2) By this, Paul is directing them to focus on spiritual realities, which in his day were understood as heavenly, rather than earthly desires.

The Gospel and the Spiritual Life

The gospel story, especially the death and resurrection of Jesus, is central to understanding the spiritual life described in the New Testament. Paul often speaks about the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ." (Colossians 2:3) This is an example of Paul's use of metaphor to emphasize the spiritual significance of Christ's work.

In 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, Paul explains, "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Here, Paul emphasizes that Christians must accept the gospel message as it is, rather than seeking to understand the earthly elements of the narrative.

Focusing on Spiritual Realities: The Exchanged Life

A key concept in this passage is the "exchanged life." (Colossians 3:3) This idea involves replacing old, sinful ways with new, righteous ones. Paul encourages the Colossians to "put off" old habits and "put on" new, Christ-like ones. This metaphorical language points to a transformation of the heart and mind, rather than a literal change in behavior.

Summary

In summary, the Colossians 3:5-8 should be understood as metaphorical, rooted in the spiritual realities of the Christian life. The language Paul uses is prophetic, with a Platonic understanding of ideas and symbols. While earthly terms such as "above" and "below" may not have literal spatial meanings, they carry significant spiritual meaning.